Facebook's Sheryl Sandberg to Give City Colleges Commencement Speech

The COO of Facebook will give the commencement speech at the UIC Pavilion on May 3.
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Courtesy of City Colleges of Chicago

CHICAGO — Facebook executive and "Lean In" author Sheryl Sandberg will deliver the commencement speech for the City Colleges of Chicago's class of 2014.

Aside from her position as the chief operating officer of Facebook, Sandberg has become known for encouraging women to become more empowered in the workplace and beyond. Before the ceremony, Sandberg will meet with a group of students to discuss how they overcame personal challenges to accomplish their goals, according to a news release from City Colleges.

"I look forward to the opportunity to speak to and congratulate this extraordinary class," said Sandberg, who served as the Vice President of Global Online Sales and Operations at Google and as chief of staff for the United States Secretary of Treasury before working at Facebook.

"Sheryl Sandberg’s decision to share her advice on leadership at City Colleges’ graduation is a testament to the increasingly important role community colleges play in our country as providers of quality, affordable higher education, preparing Americans for in-demand careers,” Chancellor Cheryl Hyman said in a statement. “Graduation is a reflection of our students’ hard work and determination, and Ms. Sandberg’s remarks will serve as a reminder to them to continue to set ambitious goals as they move ahead to further college and careers.”

The ceremony that will take place at 1 p.m. May 3 at the UIC Pavilion, 525 S. Racine Ave.